A Ream of One’s Own

  • Book Review: Spinning Silver, by Naomi Novik

    Book Review: Spinning Silver, by Naomi Novik

    Spinning Silver was the January choice for my work book club. And while I didn’t finish the novel in time for the meeting, I’m still going to write an evaluation here. Spoilers to come, and my overall verdict is 4/5 stars. Would recommend. Organization We’ll start with quasi-criticism. I wasn’t repulsed by the organization or…… Read more

  • The Gifts of Imperfection: A Chart!

    The Gifts of Imperfection: A Chart!

    I’ve been on a Brené Brown kick for the past several months. When I read The Gifts of Imperfection, I made a spreadsheet-graphic of the guideposts to wholehearted living. Read more

  • Writing a Novel with the Loose Draft

    Writing a Novel with the Loose Draft

    Today, let’s talk about loose drafting, a writing strategy that is a mix of plotting and pantsing. Read more

  • Book Review: The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas

    Book Review: The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas

    I loved The Hate U Give. 5/5 stars. Pacing I was incredibly impressed with the pacing. The book was hard to put down from the beginning, largely because each chapter had a conflict that needed to be resolved, with each chapter’s conflict flowing into the overall conflicts of the book. I don’t utilize conflict that…… Read more

  • Review: Becoming, by Michelle Obama

    Review: Becoming, by Michelle Obama

    I decided to read Becoming because I’d heard such great things about it, and it did not disappoint. I was delighted to find how well-written the book is, given that it’s a memoir by a public figure. I waffle between 4 and 5 stars, so we’ll say 4.5 / 5 stars. Maybe 4.75 / 5….… Read more

  • Brené Brown Meets the Sorting Hat Chats

    Brené Brown Meets the Sorting Hat Chats

    I’ve been thinking about Hogwarts Sortings again recently, for two reasons. One, a little while ago a co-worker clued me in on the Sorting Hat Chats quiz. And two, I’m re-reading Braving the Wilderness as part of my work with Mormon Women for Ethical Government, and one of our discussions centered around our core values.… Read more